Difference in number of unprotected acts of anal intercourse between 2 groups [ Time Frame: 12 months ]

To test whether participants assigned to the CNU intervention engage in lower HIV/STI behavioral risk compared to participants assigned to the WP attention control condition using the following primary outcome - number of unprotected acts of anal intercourse.

African American/Black men who have sex with men (MSM) in same sex intimate relationships in which at least one partner is illicitly using psychostimulants and/or psychoactive substances will receive 4 sessions of CNU intervention

Behavioral: CNU Intervention

Notions that strengthen the closeness with one's partner, connect with similar couples, and visibly strengthen a community as key to combating dynamics that cause poor communication, isolation, fragmentation of the Black MSM community.

Other Name: Connect 'n Unite (CNU) Intervention

Active Comparator: WP intervention

African American/Black men who have sex with men (MSM) in same sex intimate relationships in which at least one partner is illicitly using psychostimulants and/or psychoactive substances will receive 4 sessions of general wellness promotion (WP) intervention

Behavioral: WP Intervention

Attention control condition - WP focuses on nutrition, fitness, healthcare, and stress management. Given the prevalence of health problems among the target population, WP emphasizes adherence to medical guidance and medication regimens.

Other Name: Wellness Promotion (WP) Intervention

Detailed Description:

This study addresses the overrepresentation of the African American/Black community among those living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. as well as men who have sex with men (MSM), the transmission category that accounts for the majority of HIV infections. In the absence of a vaccine or cure for HIV infection, behavioral risk reduction represents the best public health tool for prevention of HIV transmission. The proposed randomized clinical trial will rigorously test an innovative, couples-based intervention targeting the intersection of stimulant use and sexual risk behavior among racial/ethnic and sexual minorities, with the ultimate goal providing an evidence-based intervention that can be delivered in drug treatment and other service settings to reduce the spread of HIV among stimulant-using, African American/Black MSM.

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years and older (Adult, Senior)

Sexes Eligible for Study:

Male

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

Yes

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Male

At least 18 years old

Report having a "primary/main male partner" operationalized as a male with whom he has had an ongoing sexual relationship over the prior 6 months and has an emotional bond with more than any person

Self-identify as African American and/or Black, or identify having a main partner who self-identifies in this manner

Report using a illicit use of psychostimulant and/or psychoactive drugs in the past 90 days (or has a main male partner who meets this criterion)

Report having unprotected anal sex with a man who is a non-main partner in the past 90 days (or has a main male partner who meets this criterion)

Identify each other as their main partner

Exclusion Criteria:

Either partner reports the occurrence of ≥1 incident of severe intimate partner violence (IPV) within the relationship in the past year as assessed using the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales

Either partner has a language or cognitive impairment that prevents comprehension of study procedures as assessed during informed consent

Either partner reports being currently involved (i.e., has not completed the final follow-up assessment) in an HIV prevention research study

Contacts and Locations

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To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01394900